Memphis Tigers freshman Jelan Kendrick cleared to return to practice

Kendrick had not practiced since Oct. 20 due to "personal matter"

Jason Smith

4:13 PM, Nov 4, 2010

11:24 PM, Nov 4, 2010

Jelan Kendrick drives to the basket past Tarik Black (left) during Memphis Madness at the FedExForum.

University of Memphis freshman guard Jelan Kendrick moved a step closer toward officially rejoining the team Thursday, practicing for the first time since coach Josh Pastner told him two weeks ago he needed to spend time away from basketball to deal with a "personal matter."

Who: Christian Brothers University; final exhibition

When, where: 7 p.m. Tuesday, FedExForum

TV, radio: None; WREC-AM 600

A 6-6 McDonald's All-American from Atlanta, Kendrick hadn't practiced since Oct. 20. Pastner, who's declined to specify the nature of Kendrick's personal matter, said Kendrick still has some objectives to meet before he's cleared to play in games.

"Jelan had a good practice. He did good things. There's never a question about his talent level. He's a high-level talent," said Pastner, who informed Kendrick of his decision to reinstate him for practice Wednesday night.

"I know he was excited to be back on the floor. I'm sure he probably felt a little anxious or nervous because it was the first time he was back in a little bit of time. He did a nice job."

Pastner said he told Kendrick earlier in the week that if he continued to meet his off-the-court expectations, he might be allowed to return to the team Thursday. On Wednesday, Kendrick watched the Tigers' 106-49 exhibition victory over LeMoyne-Owen at FedExForum from the bench and was in the locker room with the team afterward.

"He continued to do what I set forth for him and that's why (Wednesday) night I reinstated him to practice," said Pastner, who held a closed practice Thursday.

"For people to change, first of all it's the hardest thing for anyone to do. Sometimes for change to happen, either you've got to hit rock bottom or something you love has to be taken away from you.

"Obviously basketball has been taken away from him for some time, and I think what it does is make you appreciate what you have."

Though a prized talent, Kendrick, whom Rivals.com rated the No. 8 overall prospect in the Class of 2010, has some catching up to do in terms of working his way back into rotation. With Kendrick and Will Barton (knee) both out Wednesday, Memphis' 11 other scholarship players each reached double figures in minutes against LOC.

The Tigers play their final exhibition game Tuesday night against Christian Brothers at FedExForum.

"I want to be able to play everybody a lot of minutes because they're good guys. Out of loyalty, I want to do it," Pastner said. "But I recognize it's not reality, and eventually we'll have to get to a rotation."

Barton, the 6-6 freshman shooting guard, did not practice Thursday as he continues to recover from a left knee injury he suffered in practice Oct. 22. Pastner said although Barton has been cleared medically, he won't force the freshman back.

"I'm not going to pressure Will. He knows his body," Pastner said. "When Will Barton feels that he can practice at full speed, not favor a leg or another and puts consecutive practices together, that's when he'll be able to play in a game."